Hawaii

More than two dozen bird species are unique to the Hawaiian Islands. While other parts of the United States have unique bird species, these areas can be quite dispersed. Because of the relatively small square mileage of the islands, you're much more likely to see the area's unique species in Hawaii. Because of this, as well as the rarity of Hawaiian birds and the stunning beauty of the Hawaiian Islands, the state is regarded as a top birding destination.

If you're a realist, you probably won't see all of Hawaii's endemic birds in one trip, but it's still a good idea to plan ahead of time to ensure you see a sufficient number of species. The Big Island, Maui, Oahu, and Kauai are the four islands that most birders visit because they offer the best bird-watching opportunities. Allow plenty of time to visit each island for the best chance of seeing the most unique species. A few days for the two smaller islands and at least three days for the larger two are recommended. This will allow you to cover more ground or make up for lost time due to inclement weather.

In Hawaii, there are numerous excellent bird-watching locations. Three of the four main birding islands have birding-friendly national parks or wildlife refuges. Volcanoes National Park on the Big Island is ideal for almost any outdoor activity, including bird watching. The Koolau Forest Reserve in northern Maui has two excellent birding trails. Oahu has some difficult terrain but also provides excellent opportunities to see a wide variety of species.

Location: US